Carpet shop showcases historical features (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Carpet shop showcases historical features

THE renovation and refurbishment of Chippenham's historic Orwell House is almost complete and on September 30 Allied Carpets will be open for trading in the new-look premises.

The shop units at 54-55 New Road, next to the railway arches, should finally be completed in October.

The former Dreams bed shop, previously called Orwell House, dates back to 1812 and has strong links with Brunel's Great Western Railway as it was once the home of Rowland Brotherhood, principal contractor during the 1850s for the original London to Bristol railway line.

During this period, which saw the completion of Brunel's viaduct in 1852, Brotherhood added an additional wing to the rear, which still remains today. This part of the building contains many historic features, including fine detailing to Victorian floor tiles, an elegant staircase with walnut handrails and detailed ceiling cornice work which has been carefully restored.

HPH Commercial Property has aimed to maintain and preserve many of the historically important features of the building, as well as uncovering and restoring those hidden over the years.

Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd are carrying out the refurbishment of the property under the direction of Tektus architects of Bath and have been working closely with North Wiltshire District Council Heritage Officers.

The buildings were used as a small private boarding school in the late 1800s, before being converted into a retail shop in the early 1920s.

The building then hosted a series of retail businesses including A R Hinders cycle and motorcycle shop, and later Barrett House Furnishings.

In 1937 the building was split into two shops and Barrett's was joined by G U Button drapers. Buttons was replaced by draper T W Swales in 1950, who remained there until 1973.

From 1974 to the mid 1990s, Barrett's occupied the entire building, until the Dreams bed company moved in. Mike Stone, Curator at Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre said: "The restoration and opening of Orwell house will historically link the present back to the 19th century with the beginning of railway engineering under Rowland Brotherhood.

"The public will again be able to glimpse and be part of Chippenham's past within a retail environment."

Chris Wordsworth, Development Director at HPH said: "The proximity of the property to Brunel's railway, and its involvement in the railway's development make it a significant site historically, and we are working to ensure that many historical features are brought to the forefront."

HPH has invested £1 million in the property and its renovation.

The second unit is still up for grabs. It has planning permission for A1 and A3 use which include retail, hospitality and leisure use, such as a restaurant or pub.